Lake Durant Campground

For New Yorkers eager to "take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city," Lake Durant Campground in Indian Lake is a true "paradise" for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled on the serene eastern shore of 327-acre Lake Durant, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground offers a quintessential Adirondack experience. It’s a place where you can breathe "incredible clean air," enjoy stunning lake views, and wake up to the majestic presence of the surrounding mountains, including breathtaking views of Blue Mountain. Designed for those who "like to rest in the camp," Lake Durant provides a peaceful and picturesque setting, boasting ample space, privacy, and direct access to a wealth of recreational opportunities, making it a beloved destination for both seasoned campers and families seeking a natural escape.

Lake Durant Campground boasts an exceptional location within the remote Central Adirondacks, offering a sense of quiet beauty while remaining accessible for New York residents. You’ll find this tranquil retreat at Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA. Specifically, it's located on Route 28, approximately three miles east of the charming hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. This strategic positioning makes it a desirable destination for campers from across New York State. While it provides an immersive wilderness experience, it’s a manageable drive from many major metropolitan areas. From Albany, the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and from Syracuse, it's roughly 3 to 3.5 hours. Even from the New York City metropolitan area, while a longer drive (approximately 4-5 hours), it’s a direct route into the heart of the Adirondack Park, making it a feasible and rewarding destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. The scenic drive through the Adirondacks sets the tone for the peaceful escape that awaits, solidifying its appeal as a premier choice for New Yorkers.

Lake Durant Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors, from tent campers to RV enthusiasts. The campground focuses on providing necessary amenities while preserving the natural Adirondack environment.

• Diverse Campsites: The campground offers 61 spacious "tent and trailer sites," accommodating camping equipment from tents to 30-foot RVs. Many sites are "roomy lakeside sites," with some offering direct "views of Blue Mountain." The campsites are "large and well forested," ensuring privacy.
• Restroom Facilities: Campers have access to clean and well-maintained "flush toilets" and "hot showers," providing a significant comfort amenity often appreciated by campers.
• Dishwashing Station: A convenient "dishwashing station at the main restroom" is available, which is "handy to bring your dishpans and dirty dishes to," simplifying campsite cleanup.
• Trailer Dump Station: For RV campers, a dedicated "trailer dump station" is available for waste disposal.
• Recycling Center: The campground promotes environmental responsibility with an on-site "recycling center."
• Firewood and Ice Sales: Basic camping necessities like "firewood and ice sales" are available directly at the campground, ensuring campers don't need to leave the site for these essentials.
• Sand Beach & Bathhouse: A designated "sand beach" provides a safe and enjoyable area for swimming (unsupervised by lifeguards) along with a convenient "bathhouse."
• Boat Launch & Rentals: A "boat launch" (15' x 17' with a concrete ramp) is available for those bringing their own watercraft. "Rowboat and kayak rentals" are also offered for easy access to Lake Durant.
• Hiking Trails Access: The campground provides direct access to various "hiking trails," including connections to the extensive Northville-Placid Trail (NPT).
• Picnic Area: Dedicated "picnic area with tables and fireplaces" for day-use visitors or campers looking for a change of scenery.
• Accessibility Features: The campground is designed with "wheelchair accessible features," including a fishing/viewing platform and a shower building near the beach, as well as an accessible campsite (site 1A) with an accessible path to a lake viewing area.

Lake Durant Campground distinguishes itself with a combination of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and recreational opportunities that create an exceptional Adirondack camping experience for New Yorkers.

• Stunning Adirondack Setting: The campground offers "breathtaking views of Blue Mountain" and is located on the "east shore of 327-acre Lake Durant," providing an incredibly scenic and tranquil backdrop for your stay.
• Spacious & Private Sites: Campers "love the roomy lakeside sites," many of which offer lake views and are "large and well forested," ensuring a sense of privacy and seclusion.
• Direct Lake Access: With a dedicated "boat launch" and "rowboat and kayak rentals," accessing Lake Durant for "canoeing and boating" is incredibly convenient. The lake is noted for its "shallow depth" making "small boats recommended."
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Durant is home to a variety of fish, including "Tigermuskey, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, white sucker, brown bullheads, and brook trout," making it a prime spot for anglers, complemented by an "accessible fishing pier."
• Trailhead Access to Wilderness: The campground is a gateway to extensive "hiking opportunities," including directly linking to the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) and providing access to the Blue Ridge Wilderness and Blue Mountain Wild Forest trail networks. The 2.75-mile hike to Stephens Pond is a popular day hike.
• Comfort Amenities (Flush Toilets, Hot Showers): The presence of modern, clean "flush toilets" and "hot showers" significantly enhances the comfort of the camping experience, a welcome feature for many.
• Convenient Dishwashing Station: The "dishwashing station at the main restroom" is a practical and highly appreciated amenity, making post-meal cleanup much easier for campers.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With its diverse activities and well-maintained facilities, it's known as a "great family campground."
• Quiet & Relaxing Environment: As highlighted by visitors, it’s a place to "take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city," offering a "relaxing, quiet beauty."

As a New York State DEC campground, Lake Durant Campground typically operates under a standard fee structure and reservation system, rather than offering frequent, publicly advertised "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. However, the value it provides, particularly for New York residents, can be seen as an ongoing benefit.

• Affordable Access to Adirondack Wilderness: State campgrounds generally offer excellent value compared to private resorts, providing access to premier natural locations like Lake Durant and the Adirondack Park at reasonable rates. The "Base Fee" is noted around $20 per night, with an "Out of State Surcharge" of $5, making it particularly budget-friendly for New Yorkers.
• Online Reservation System: Reservations can be made conveniently "online or through the Reserve America Call Center (1-800-456-2267)," allowing New Yorkers to plan their trips well in advance, especially for popular lakeside sites. Same-day reservations are also allowed until 5 PM.
• Seasonal Rates: While specific discounts aren't advertised, camping rates may vary slightly by season (peak vs. shoulder seasons), which can offer value for those with flexible travel dates.
• Recreation Passport Programs: New York State offers various passes, such as the Empire Pass, which provide unlimited day-use vehicle entry to state parks, boat launches, and other DEC recreation areas. While not directly for camping fees, these passes can enhance the overall value of a trip to Lake Durant by providing free access to nearby attractions.

It's always recommended for prospective campers to visit the official New York State DEC website for Lake Durant Campground or the Reserve America website for the most current information on fees, reservation policies, and any specific rules, including those related to food storage and dish cleaning, which have recently been updated to enhance safety and bear-proofing.

For New Yorkers ready to experience the tranquility and beauty of Lake Durant Campground, here's how to get in touch and plan your visit:

Address: Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (more specifically, it's on Route 28, 3 miles east of Blue Mountain Lake)

Phone: (518) 352-7797

This phone number typically connects you to the campground office or the relevant DEC region for inquiries. For reservations, it is often most convenient to use the online reservation system through Reserve America.

When calling, you can inquire about:

• Campsite availability
• Current operating hours and season dates
• Specific rules and regulations (especially important regarding food storage, as noted in reviews)
• Information on boat rentals or specific trail conditions

Checking the official New York State DEC website for Lake Durant Campground is also an excellent resource for detailed maps, rules, and updates before your trip.

Lake Durant Campground is exceptionally suitable for New York locals seeking a quintessential Adirondack camping experience. Its accessible yet remote location in Indian Lake provides a convenient escape from city life, offering a profound sense of "forest, incredible clean air, lake, and of course mountains!" without an excessively long drive. For those who appreciate "roomy lakeside sites" and "views of Blue Mountain," this campground delivers breathtaking natural beauty right at their campsite. The availability of "flush toilets and hot showers" provides a level of comfort that balances the rustic appeal of the Adirondacks. Furthermore, the direct access to "many trails" for hiking, excellent "fishing" opportunities, and options for "boating" and "paddling" mean there's an adventure for every interest, right from your doorstep. While new rules regarding food prep and storage require some adjustment for tent campers, they underscore the DEC's commitment to preserving the natural environment and ensuring safety, particularly concerning wildlife. This dedication, combined with the "good locations of camping areas with barbecue," makes Lake Durant a well-maintained and highly rewarding destination. For New Yorkers looking to immerse themselves in the peace and natural splendor of the Adirondacks, Lake Durant Campground is truly a "paradise" to disconnect, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Lake Durant Campground

Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA